Summary: In countries or regions where biotechnology is not widely adopted, opportunities to learn about biotechnology, interact with experts and see crops first-hand can be limited. Multi-stakeholder ‘platform’ events in Romania are dedicated to educating people all about agricultural biotechnology: how it’s researched and regulated, the benefits of current products and what’s in the pipeline for the future. With well over 10 million hectares (24 million acres) of arable land, and up to 30 percent of the labor force involved in agriculture, Romania has abundant natural and human resources for farming. New technological resources that make agriculture more productive and profitable can be more difficult to learn about or access.
‘Platform’ events provide farmers, scientists, regulators and other stakeholders with comprehensive information about current and future biotechnology products.
The history of biotechnology in Romania
Many stakeholders in Romania have some familiarity with agricultural biotechnology because Romania adopted one of the first commercial biotech products in 2000: herbicide-tolerant soy. It reduced farmers’ costs of production significantly by reducing the need for weeding, and quickly became popular.
Within a few years, the majority of the country’s soy crop was biotech, the total area of soy increased and Romania became self-sufficient in this crop. Soy was no longer imported into Romania for animal feed – in fact, there were even some exports to other markets. Support from scientists and regulators was also strong.
After Romania joined the European Union in 20 07, however, all varieties of biotech soy were removed from the national seed catalog because they did not have EU approval. The planting of biotech soy was halted completely and the total area of soy plantings plummeted.
A broad stakeholder network
The network of biotechnology stakeholders in Romania remains commit ted to informing others about the technology, even though there are far fewer opportunities to see and work with biotechnology crops g rowing in the field. Among the most active stakeholder groups in Romania are farmers and scientists.
Farmers in Romania today still have access to biotechnology crops. Insect-resistant maize has been approved, but is not as widely planted as soy was for a number of reasons. Interest is strong in new agricultural biotechnology products that would help farmers be more profitable, and several large farmers’ associations help keep everyone informed.
Academic scientists are another experienced part of the biotech network in Romania, thank s to the knowledge they developed by working with biotech soya. Today they follow scientific developments and other issues closely.
Many carry out research in agricultural biotechnology through the support of state and private sector funds. Other stakeholders maintain a strong interest in agricultural biotechnology as well. Regulators continue to assess and evaluate agricultural biotechnology projects and field trials following the European Union regulations. Journalists, who are often ex posed to news coverage of biotechnology in other regions, are eager to keep current with its impact in Romania.
Building a platform from the ground up
While interest and support has remained strong for biotechnology, until recently there has been no formal mechanism for different stakeholders to exchange views and information. One group of stakeholders, the companies developing biotechnology products for Romania, has formed an industry association to organize events, discussions, roundtables and seminars to help everyone maintain their knowledge of biotechnology and their connections with each other.
One of the most popular activities is the annual ‘Platform’ event which offers a one-stop opportunity to absorb all the latest information about biotechnology, including data on the performance of current products and research into new technologies. Between 100 and 150 people participate in this event. They are stakeholders from all sec tors, including scientists and researchers, regulators, government decision makers, farmers associations, journalists and others interested in this topic. The Platform event gives different stakeholder groups the chance to share their knowledge about biotechnology with others. The farmers talk about economic benefits and their needs for new technology. Scientists share information on new research. Regulators describe how field trials are regulated in Romania and in Europe generally. And the companies present information about the different biotechnology product that they have in their pipelines.
Platform events are also popular because people get a unique opportunity to see biotechnology crops in the field for themselves. Crops with different traits are showcased and compared to conventional crops. This kind of ‘hands-on’ experience helps bring the technology to life, especially for those who may not have seen the plants in person.
Beyond Romania
Because Romania is one of the few places in Europe where it is possible to see field trials with biotechnology crops, the Platform events have generated interest from elsewhere in the region. A similar event was organized for journalists from 10 different countries, who came to Romania to see biotech crops, learn about regulations and hear farmers talk about their history with biotechnology.
Now neighboring countries are also looking at this ‘platform model’ as a possible way to interact with their own stakeholders. Romania’s unique history with biotechnology has inspired a creative and effective agricultural biotechnology awareness and education program that involves all its stakeholders, reaches beyond its borders and look s into the future.